Molluscan Research 31(3): 167–175 ISSN 1323-5818 http://www.mapress.com/mr/ Magnolia Press

A new species of Simnia from England (Caenogastropoda: Ovulidae)

FELIX LORENZ1* & CHRISTIAN MELAUN2 1 Chiapponi-Lorenz Seashell Foundation (CLSF), Via Aspromonte 22, 23900 Lecco, Italy. 2 Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (BiK-F), Medical Biodiversity and Parasitology, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany. *Corresponding author—Email: [email protected]

Abstract

A new species of Ovulidae, Simnia hiscocki, is described from the Cornwall Peninsula, England, and compared with Simnia patula occurring in the same area, from which it differs in shell- and radula-morphological features as well as ecological fea- tures. DNA analysis suggests that it is a very young species whose host-specificity to Eunicella verrucosa makes it a poten- tially useful species for monitoring sea-temperature-change.

Key words: Ovulidae, Simnia, new sister species, Plymouth, radula differences, host-specific, climate change

Introduction parallel to the shell's axis respectively), the relation between the distance between the bulge of the columella and the outer The family Ovulidae comprises more than 200 species side as opposed to the greatest dimension of the bulge (c) and distributed widely across tropical and sub-tropical seas the distance from the columellar bulge the to the outer lip (a) (Lorenz and Fehse 2009). Simnia patula (Pennant, 1777) is was examined (Fig. 1). an exception in this mainly tropical family, as it inhabits the Genomic DNA was isolated from tissue samples cold waters of the northern Atlantic along the coasts of (mantle or foot fragments) of five specimens of the species England and Norway. Only very recently, a sympatric sister- described here, and five specimens of Simnia patula by species was discovered on several sites along the Cornwall proteinase-K digestion and standard phenol-chloroform Peninsula and the Isles of Scilly, south-western England. It is extraction. We amplified the barcode region of the COI gene described below. using primers LCO1490 and HCO2198 (Folmer et al. 1994). PCR conditions were 94°C-50°C-72°C, 1 minute each for 40 cycles. Obtained PCR products were sequenced on a ABI Material and methods 3730 DNA Analyzer and the sequences analyzed using BioEdit (Hall 1999) and MEGA 4 (Tamura et al. 2007); this Thirty four live-collected specimens of Simnia hiscocki n. sp. and more than 30 specimens of Simnia patula were available resulted in fragment lengths of 658 bp. from several collecting sites around Plymouth, on the south Abbreviations of the Cornwall Peninsula, southwestern coast of England. Further specimens of Simnia patula were examined NHMUK: Natural History Museum, London CLSF: Chiapponi-Lorenz Seashell Foundation, Lecco from the northern coast of Brittany (MNHN, not registered), MNHN: Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris Guernsey, Orkney, from the Brittany in France (MNHN IM- 2008-2728, IM-2008-2729) and Lista Fyr in the south of Norway (all CLSF). The samples from the locations near Plymouth and Scilly were collected by diving and preserved Systematics in alcohol immediately after collecting. That allowed a Family Ovulidae superficial study of the anatomy and determination of sex in A recent review of this family is given by Lorenz and Fehse, most specimens. For the study of radulae, the animals were 2009. Members of the family occur in tropical and temperate softened in distilled water for one hour, removed from the seas, even at greater depths. Most species are associated with shell and then dissected. Radulae were compared from eight soft corals, leather corals and black corals which serve as specimens each of S. hiscocki and S. patula from Hand host. Some species feed also on sponges, brittle stars and Deeps. They were examined with standard light-microscopy, crinoids. The shell is mostly smooth or with fine striae photographed and drawn. without exposed posterior end and columellar teeth. The Because of the fragility of the shells, only the length labrum may have denticles and crenulations, as well as small was measured manually using a precision caliper, other spines occasionally. The mantle covers the shell and serves shell-parameters were taken from photographs of each shell. as camouflage by imitating parts of the host. The radular These photographs were taken with the aperture pointing up morphology is characteristic of the family. Development and the shell's axis parallel to the camera-lens. In addition to occurs through a veliger stage which can last for several the length and the greatest width (measured in right-angle or weeks before reaching the crawling stage.

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Genus Simnia Risso, 1826 Additional material examined Type species: Simnia nicaeensis Risso, A. 1826. By subsequent Twenty-one further specimens in the collection of the designation). CLSF have been examined, measuring 9.4 to 18.7 mm in length (see Table 1). Members of this genus are distributed in the Atlantic and No specimens of S. hiscocki were found in the reference Mediterranean. All species of Simnia are characterized by a collection of the MNHN and from our research, it has very thin, fusiform shell which lacks a callosed labral margin apparently never been mentioned or illustrated, either alive and the columellar side displays very few callosities. or as empty shell, except for the reference given in the synonymy. Simnia hiscocki n. sp. Description Synonymy: Shell (Figs 2 & 4) (description based on holotype): Simnia cf. patula:- Lorenz and Fehse 2009, 97, pl. 123, Figs 9-10, Fragile, semi-transparent, narrow cylindrical. Posterior A212, A214. tapering, forming constricted, slightly twisted canal that widens very slightly along outer edge. Slight development of Material examined Type material callosity along peculiarly twisted funicular region, no funiculum visible. Columellar bulge faintly striate, not showing any callosity. Anterior tip pointed, formed by long, Holotype: 16.4 mm, Hand Deeps, Plymouth area, England (50°12.53’N 4°20.58’W), at 21 m depth on Eunicella well-developed and slightly calloused fossular fold. Labral edge very thin and fragile, no indication of callosity. Last verrucosa, MNHN 23297; Paratype 1: 16.8 mm, Hand whorl glossy and smooth, showing fine, regular longitudinal Deeps, Plymouth area, same data as holotype, CLSF 1-3609; Paratype 2: 13.3 mm, Hand Deeps, Plymouth area, same data growth-lines. Faint, distant incised striae visible on terminal collars and especially above the slightly callosed funicular as holotype, NHMUK 20110196; London; Paratype 3: 16.9 region. Overall colour of shell rich orange-cream, calloused mm, Hand Deeps, Plymouth area, same data as holotype, CLSF 1-3610; Paratype 4: 12.3 mm, Hatt Rock, Plymouth along posterior canal and fossular region slightly paler. Comparison with paratypes indicates no discernible area, (50°10.42’N 4°29.19’W), at 22 m depth, MNHN differences between smaller (young) shells and adults, 24242; Paratype 5: 14.2 mm, Hand Deeps, Plymouth area, same data as holotype, in private collection of Dirk Fehse, except smaller shells tend to have more distinct striae towards extremities. Only length of posterior canal varies Berlin; Paratype 6: 17.2 mm, Hilsea Point, Plymouth area, slightly, but shape and general colour constant. No (50°17.32’N 4°02.70’W), MNHN 24245. differences in shell-size between males and females (8 males, and 11 females). Shell dimensions – see Table 1.

TABLE 1.Shell dimensions (in mm) of Simnia hiscocki n. sp. c = columella, a = aperture w = width, l = length (c)w/l = width/length, a/c = aperture/columella.

lwcaw/la/c Holotype 16.4 6.3 13 8 38 62 Paratypes 14.3 5.2 10.7 7.0 36.7 65.6 (SD) (2.9) (1.0) (2.1) (1.6) (2.7) (10.9) Additional 12.0 4.3 8.9 5.4 31.0 52.5 specimens (4.3) (1.3) (2.7) (1.9) (8.3) (16.3) (SD)

Head-foot (living material) (Figs 10A, B & C): Mantle thick, transparent with sparse wart-like papillae which vary in length. Some animals showing two or three small branches encircling pointed tip of papillae. In fully extended animal mantle forms regular corrugations along anterior part of labral edge. Siphon short, transparent and thick, foot fleshy and less transparent. Tentacles thick and short, usually not visible in photographs of active animal, mantle and foot decorated with conspicuous red transverse, parallel lines, FIGURE 1. A shell of Simnia sp. showing the parameters used in often with intermittent rows of discrete red spots. In some measurements; c = columella, a = aperture. specimens mantle covered only with rows of these spots; background coloration varies from brown to pale lemon. A NEW OVULID SPECIES FROM ENGLAND 169

Colour of proboscis greyish white. When withdrawn into than inner, with comb of 60-75 filaments, many bifurcate at shell, animal (visible through shell) appears bright red. tip. Radula (Fig. 9B): Typical of family, with flat rachidian Spawn: Of 15–20 circular egg-capsules 2.2–2.5 mm in tooth with pronounced central cusp and three to four diameter embedded in mucus to which mud and other denticles on either side. Lateral tooth with similar large particles may adhere. Capsules deposited around branches of central cusp and three to four smaller denticles. Inner host. Each capsule contains several hundred larvae. When marginal tooth flat, considerably enlarged, with 40–50 fine deposited, spawn pale yellow, and later turns brown due to filaments, some bifurcate at tip. Outer marginal tooth wider development of larval shells.

FIGURE 2 Simnia hiscocki. A, dorsal, basal and lateral aspects of holotype (MNHN 23297); B, dorsal and basal aspect of paratype 1 (CLSF 1- 3609); C, dorsal and basal aspects of paratype 6 (MNHN 24245); D, basal aspect of paratype 4 (MNHN 24242); E, basal aspect of juvenile specimen (CLSF 1-3622); F, dorsal and basal aspects of paratype 2 (NHMUK 20110196). Scale = 10 mm.

Remarks differs from its southern congeners S. nicaeensis and S. A summary of the differences between species of aperta (both with a distribution from the Mediterranean to Simnia are given in Table 2. Of particular note, Simnia the northern coast of Spain) in the richer shell-colour hiscocki n. sp. is distinctly more slender and has a richer compared to the equally slender S. nicaeensis, and the orange-cream coloration compared to the more roundly narrower, more pointed shell compared to the equally orange inflated, paler S. patula from the same locality. The shell also S. aperta. The animals of S. nicaeensis and S. aperta show differs in a consistent difference in the relationship between considerable differences in the formation of papillae and the width and the length (see Figs 5, 6) and the relative mantle-colouration (see Figs 7, 8, 10). S. hyalina from the positon of the width of the aperture at the widest point of the submerged volcanic seamounts in the central Atlantic differs columella. The animal of S. hiscocki shows straight from all congeners by a more distinct shell-sculpture transverse lines which do not form irregular branches as in S. consisting of incised striae, and a transparent, completely patula (see Figs 10, 11) and the radulae show differences in colourless shell with short terminals. the structure of the lateral teeth (see Fig. 9). The new species 170 LORENZ & MELAUN (2011) MOLLUSCAN RESEARCH, VOL. 31

Habitat and distribution m (Fehse et al. 2010). The exact distribution in the Atlantic Simnia hiscocki has so far been found exclusively on is unknown. the Pink Seafan Eunicella verrucosa (Pallas, 1766) at depths Simnia hyalina Lorenz & Fehse, 2009: Shell between 20 and 35 m. It is known mainly from the vicinity of transparent, colourless, rather short, with distinct incised Plymouth (type locality: Hand Deeps, Lundy Island in the striae. It inhabits deep waters of 200 to 500 m, on the isolated north of the Cornwall Peninsula (B. Picton, pers. comm.), Atlantic seamounts of Hyères Bank, Josephine Bank and and the Isles of Scilly in the southwest of England. Reports Irving Bank that are located approx. 1000 km south of the of similar shells from other areas need confirmation. Azores, where the species was dredged with samples of an On photographs, the fully extended animal of Simnia indeterminate species of Eunicella Verrill, 1869. hiscocki is slightly paler and not well adapted in colour and pattern to the appearance of its host, the Pink Seafan Eunicella verrucosa

Etymology Named for its discoverer, Dr. Keith Hiscock, marine biologist and underwater photographer of Plymouth, England. He collected most of the material available for this FIGURE 3 The original figure of Simnia patula reproduced from Pennant, 1777, fig. 85A. study, took photographs of living animals, and contributed with field observations. Simnia patula was described and illustrated by Pennant (1777: 101, plate 85A) as follows: "Bulla patula: one end much produced, and fusiform. The aperture very patulous." Discussion The illustration (Fig. 2) leaves no doubt about the identity of The species of the genus Simnia show shell-features that Pennant's concept of the species and the populations suggest either neoteny or progenesis as there is no callosed assigned to his taxon today. Later names all undoubtedly labral margin and on the columellar side the callosities found refer to the same species, or have no illustrations or in other members of the family (e.g., a funiculum or indications of type depository, and in the context of this denticles) are hardly apparent. This phenomenon may be an study must be considered nomina dubia. Two of these names adaptation to the temperate waters of northern Europe which that may refer to Simnia (Ovula virginea Cantraine, 1835 and are inhabited by Simnia patula but by no other member of Ovula papyracea Fischer von Waldheim, 1807) must be the family Ovulidae. The advantage may be that growth is no considered nomina nudi, as both descriptions lack an image longer determined as it is in those species forming a labrum of the shell and do not give distinctive characters. Also, no that narrows the aperture and subsequently inhibits further type locality is given. An effort to locate type specimens in growth. Larger specimens of Simnia patula show growth European museum collections failed (D. Fehse, pers. comm. lines and bulging whorls that suggest a continuation of 2010). growth after reaching sexual maturity. Only Neosimnia Simnia patula is found from just below the intertidal hammesi (Bertsch and Bibbey, 1982) from Pacific Panama zone to approximately 75 m (Lorenz and Fehse, 2009). The has a similar paper-thin shell. The taxonomy of the genus distribution stretches from Orkney to the western coast of Simnia and its species was revised by Lorenz and Fehse Norway, across all of England and Ireland, the Channel (2009). In their discussion of S. patula, they point out that Islands, the coasts of northern France and Holland (Cate, "an elongate population occurs of Eunicella sp. off the coast 1973; Lorenz and Fehse 2009; Fehse, pers. comm. 2010). It of Plymouth, England. It may represent a separate species...", has not been reported from the coasts of Belgium and which refers to the new species described herein. Germany. Reports from the Atlantic coast of Spain and The genus Simnia contains five named species Portugal and the Canary and Cape Verde Islands require separable mainly by their living animals, the general shell confirmation, as the conchologically similar Simnia aperta shape, shell-sculpture, host-preference and distribution. has been discovered in Galicia and may be more widespread Table 2 summarises the differences between these taxa. in the Atlantic than previously known. Simnia patula is The most similar species are: found in association with several coelenterate hosts: Simnia nicaeensis Risso, 1826: Shell plain white, very Alcyonium digitatum Linnaeus, 1758 and other species of slender, glossy, smooth. On Eunicella verrucosa. From the Alcyonium, Eunicella verrucosa (Pallas, 1766) and northwestern Mediterranean, from 50 to 200 m, and recently Tubularia indivisa Linnaeus, 1758. The shell of typical discovered in Galicia, northwestern Spain, at 30 m (Fehse et Simnia patula is rather constant along the coasts of England, al. 2010). France and other areas from the southern end of the Simnia aperta (Sowerby II, 1849): Shell orange to distribution. The general shape of the shell is roundly brown, slender to inflated cylindrical, less glossy, smooth. inflated, the last whorl is disproportionally wider than earlier Found on Alcyonium glomeratum. Mostly found in the whorls. The posterior terminal is distinctly projecting, Mediterranean, mainly from Italy and Croatia, at 50 to 200 rounded and slightly twisted upward. The aperture is very m, but also reported from Galicia, northwestern Spain, at 20 wide, with a rounded labral edge. The general colour varies A NEW OVULID SPECIES FROM ENGLAND 171 from plain white to pale yellow-cream. In the adult shell, whereas specimens from the south of England and the there is a slight development of a callus as along the entire Atlantic coast of France rarely exceed 18 mm. Shells columella, there may be a darker layer of irregular callous exceeding this size are nearly always distorted as a result of matter (Fig. 4 C) and the inner wall of the labrum may show additional growth-lines added to the shell—a possible result a callous ridge (Fig. 4 B). Shells from northern (colder) of progenesis (see above). localities such as Norway may reach a length of 25 mm

FIGURE 4 Simnia species. A, Simnia patula, Hilsea Point, Plymouth (16 mm length) (CLSF 1-788); B, Simnia patula, Hatt Rock, Plymouth area (19 mm length) (CLSF 1-801); C, Simnia patula, Hands Deep, Plymouth area (13 mm length) (CLSF 1-1097); D, Simnia nicaeensis, Alghero, Italy (20 mm length) (CLSF 1-2399); E, Simnia aperta, Capraia Is., Italy, 70 m (16 mm length) (CLSF unregistered) (CLSF 1- 2408); F, Simnia hyalina, Hyères Seamount, Atlantic Ocean, 480 m (11 mm length) (MNHN unregistered). Scale = 10 mm.

The new species caught Dr. Hiscock's attention because (see also Remarks). Specimens of the two taxa from the same it lives in the same depth and area as S. patula, but is found host retain the differences in shell-colour and shape, which exclusively on Eunicella verrucosa whereas S. patula in the are therefore not linked to the diet, which includes parts of same area is only rarely found on that host but usually on tissue of the host, as well as secretions of the gorgonacean Alcyonium digitatum. The two species differ considerably polyps. from each other: Eunicella verrucosa is a delicately Simnia aperta and S. nicaeensis were recently branched seafan whereas the Alcyonium digitatum (Dead discovered also in Galicia, the northwestern Atlantic tip of Man's Hand) is a solid soft coral. This host preference was Spain (Figs 7, 8) (Fehse et al. 2010). The observations made the initial factor that led to further investigations. The on their habitat and their animal characteristics display an differences between Simnia hiscocki and S. patula are quite interesting parallel to their English congeners. As in S. obvious when shells from the same locality (Plymouth) are patula and S. hiscocki, two sympatric species occur at similar compared. The graphs in Figs 5–6 illustrate these depth (20–30 m), on different hosts: the slender S. nicaeensis differences, and also include the other three taxa of Simnia on Eunicella verrucosa, the broader S. aperta on Alcyonium 172 LORENZ & MELAUN (2011) MOLLUSCAN RESEARCH, VOL. 31 glomeratum. As in the case of S. hiscocki and S. patula, the irregular and branching, with occasional intermitted spots. slender S. nicaeensis inhabits the delicate Eunicella, the The lines on the mantle of S. hiscocki are very variable in broader S. aperta is found on the more solid Alcyonium. their density and width, but they are always straight, not However, the concept of colouration is opposite: the broader irregular and not branching, and occasionally replaced by S. aperta has a saturate orange shell like its Mediterranean rows of spots. relatives, whereas the slender S. nicaeensis is plain white. The comparison of shell-measurements shows that the shell- shape of Simnia hiscocki is closest to S. nicaeensis in having a comparable width / length index. This is most probably a result of adaptation to the narrow branches of their common host Eunicella. The only consistent conchological difference between them is the orange shell of S. hiscocki against the plain white shell of S. nicaeensis.

FIGURE 7. Simnia nicaeensis, living animal from Galicia, NW Spain. Length of the animal approx. 16 mm. Photo by Dr. Jacinto Perez Dieste.

FIGURE 5. Relationship between shell width (w) and length (l) in the species of Simnia.

FIGURE 8. Simnia aperta, living animal from Galicia, NW Spain. Length of the animal approx. 16 mm. Photo by Dr. Jacinto Perez Dieste.

Simnia aperta and S. nicaeensis do not have darker lines on their mantles. The animal of S. aperta is saturate orange-brown and lacks darker pattern or lines. The papillae are small and very densely set. The animal of S. nicaeensis is plain white with sparse yellow spots (not arranged in transverse rows). The papillae are very prominent and far more densely set than in the English congeners (Fehse et al. FIGURE 6. Relationship between the dimensions of the width of the aperture (a) and between the columellar bulge and the left side 2010) (c) in the species of Simnia. Exceptionally large and distorted or The radulae of sympatric S. patula and S. hiscocki show otherwise malformed specimens of S. patula were excluded. a general resemblance, except for the filaments of the lateral teeth, which are considerably more numerous in S. hiscocki: with 60–75 on the outer lateral and 40–50 on the inner The shells of S. patula and S. aperta are similar in being lateral, compared with 30–35 and 25–30 respectively in S. shorter and broader, and they differ mainly by the more patula. In addition, the tips of the filaments are usually saturate orange to brown colouration of S. aperta opposed to trifurcate in S. patula rather than bifurcate as in S. hiscocki the grey to yellowish shell of S. patula. (Fig. 9). The animals of the English taxa differ considerably The animals of S. patula and S. hiscocki are very similar from each other and from their southern relatives. Both, S. and variable. The mantle of S. hiscocki usually shows more aperta and S. hiscocki have transparent mantles with rather numerous, dotted transverse lines and more prominent small papillae. The mantles are ornamented with numerous papillae than S. patula. orange spots and transverse lines. In S. patula, these lines are A NEW OVULID SPECIES FROM ENGLAND 173

TABLE 2. Comparison of the some key features separating the species of Simnia. S. hiscocki S. patula S. aperta S. nicaeensis S. hyalina Distribution Cornwall, England Atlantic Europe to E Mediterranean to W Mediterranean Central Atlantic Cape Verde NW Spain to NW Spain seamounts Depth 10–20 m intertidal-300 m 20–100 m 30–100 m >400 m Host Eunicella verrucosa Alcyonium sp., Alcyonium sp. Eunicella sp. Eunicella sp. Eunicella sp. Mantle transparent, regular transparent, irregular, uniform orange- uniform white, transparent, darker transverse branching darker lines brown, sparse small no lines or spots lines and rows of with few intermitted no lines or spots yellow dots darker spots spots Papillae sparse, branching sparse, wart-like dense and numerous, numerous, absent variably sized variably sized, some very large Shape of shell very slender oval, mostly broad slender to inflated, very slender rather slender cylindrical Shape of rostrate, short, tapering ronded, rather short, rostrate stunted rounded posterior extremity narrow, rather wide, slightly bent rounded, wide, straight slightly curled Striation at incised, distant fine, narrow fine, narrow obsolete coarse, narrow extremity Striation on absent absent faint absent distinct dorsum Shell colour orange-brown grey red to brown white translucent white

Outer margin of developed, developed, slightly hardly hardly posterior extremity funnel-shaped bent up developed, straight developed developed-absent Fossula absent weak to well mostly well well developed, slightly developed, developed, short developed, long short rather short

The sequences of the mtDNA show only minor differences between S. patula and S. hiscocki. These results are consistent with studies on sister-species of Littorinidae from the north-eastern Atlantic (Kemppainen et al. 2009) and species of Conidae from the Cape Verde Islands (Duda and Rolán 2005). These findings are interpreted as an indication that Simnia patula and S. hiscocki have undergone speciation recently, possibly following the sea level- fluctuations of the Wurm III glacial period. A comprehensive discussion of the genetic analysis and its phylogenetic implications conducted on these two taxa and the related Simnia hyalina is in preparation. Further research is necessary to learn more about the range of S. hiscocki and why it is restricted to Eunicella verrucosa. The more slender shape of the shell probably adapts better to the narrow, current swept branches of that seafan, whereas the broad and flat shell of S. patula appears to attach better to the solid Alcyonium. A morphological dimorphism of S. patula in other areas of the Atlantic has not been reported, regardless of the host that came with the animals. The different host preference along with consistent FIGURE 9. Left half of a row of radular teeth. A, S. patula; B, S. hiscocki. I, outer lateral; II, inner lateral; III, marginal; IV, shell and radular differences supports the recognition of two rachidian; V, detail of the tips of the lateral teeth filaments (not to taxa, which display the same evolutionary pattern as their scale). Scale (I–IV): 0.1 mm. congeners S. aperta and S. nicaeensis in Galicia. 174 LORENZ & MELAUN (2011) MOLLUSCAN RESEARCH, VOL. 31

FIGURE 10. Simnia hiscocki, living animals. A, photo by Jason Gregory; B, C, photos by Keith Hiscock, all from Plymouth area, England. Length of the animals approx. 14–17 mm.

FIGURE 11. Simnia patula, living animal. A, photo by Keith Hiscock; B, photo by Jim Anderson. All pictures taken in the Plymouth area, England. Length of the animals approx. 15–17 mm. A NEW OVULID SPECIES FROM ENGLAND 175

Eunicella verrucosa has recently come in focus as a key Entwicklung Wissenschaftlich-ökonomischer Exzellenz" of species for monitoring changes in sea-temperature. Diseased Hesse's Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and the populations of Eunicella verrucosa were reported from Arts. Last but not least we wish to thank Dr. Winston Ponder south-western England (Hall-Spencer et al. 2007). Elevated and the reviewers, whose feedback helped in completing this temperature was identified as stress-inducing factor paper. supporting infestation with several types of bacteria causing necrosis in Eunicella colonies (Martin et al. 2002). The larval dispersal of these seafans is influenced by water References temperature and pollution, and adult colonies are subject to a higher infestation with ‘parasites’ when the environmental Cate, C.N. (1973) A systematic revision of the recent Cypraeid family Ovulidae. Veliger 15 (supplement): 1–117. conditions are not ideal (Munro and Munro 2003). Among Duda, T.F. & Rolán, E. (2005) Explosive radiation of Cape Verde these, the sea-slug Tritonia nilsodhneri Marcus, 1983 and Conus, a marine species flock. Molecular Ecology 14, 267–272. Simnia patula are repeatedly mentioned. It is possible that Fehse, D., Trigo, J.E., Pérez Dieste, J. & Aldrey, J.M. (2010) Three some reports of "S. patula" may refer to the new species. new records of the family Ovulidae for Galicia (NW Spain) and The occurrence and abundance of certain host-specific discussions on their valid nomenclature. Gloria Maris 49, 141– 153. Ovulidae such as Simnia hiscocki may prove useful as Folmer, O., Black, M., Hoeh, W., Lutz, R. & Vrijenhoek, R. (1994) indicators for monitoring the host cnidarian populations and DNA primers for amplification of mitochondrial cytochrome c contribute to monitoring programs relating to pollution, oxidase subunit I from diverse metazoan invertebrates. climate change or other factors that influence their growth Molecular Marine Biology and Biotechnology 3, 294–297. and dispersal. The discovery of a new species of Ovulidae at Hall, T.A. (1999) BioEdit: a user–friendly biological sequence Europe's ‘front-door’ reveals how much basic research still alignment editor and analysis program for Windows 95/98/NT. Nucleic Acids Symposium Series 41, 95–98. needs to be done in our quest to understand marine Hall-Spencer, J.M., Pike, J., & Munn, C.B. (2007) Diseases affect biodiversity. cold-water corals too: Eunicella verrucosa (Cnidaria: Gorgonacea) necrosis in SW England. Diseases of Aquatic Acknowledgements Organisms 76, 87–97. Kemppainen, P., Panova, J., Hollander, J. & Johannesson, K. (2009) We wish to thank Dr. Keith Hiscock and Mrs Jana Kratzsch Complete lack of mitochondrial divergence between two species of NE Atlantic marine intertidal gastropods. Journal of for the supply of material and information. Dirk Fehse made Evolutionary Biology 22, 2000–2011 useful suggestions and reviewed the manuscript. Mr. Jason Lorenz, F. & Fehse, D. (2009) The living Ovulidae - A manual of the Gregory, Dr. Bernard E. Picton, Dr. David Reid, Mr. Jim families of allied cowries Ovulidae, Pediculariidae and Anderson and Ms. Kathy Way for valuable suggestions, Eocypraeidae. ConchBooks, Hackenheim. photos and information. Prof. Dr. Philippe Bouchet and Martin, Y., Bonnefort, J.L. & Chancerelle, L. (2002) Gorgonians mass mortality during the 1999 late summer in French Virginie Héros of the MNHN (Paris) for the loan of Mediterranean coastal waters: the bacterial hypothesis. Water specimens. Dr. Marco Chiapponi, of the Chiapponi-Lorenz Research 26, 779–782. Seashell Foundation CLSF (Lecco, Italy). Dr. Jacinto Perez Munro, C. & Munro, L. (2003) Climate change impacts of seafan Dieste and Dr. Juan E. Trigo, members of the Grupo de populations. Reef Research 8, 1–33 Estudo do Medio Mariño (GEMM), for the photos of living Pennant, T. (1777) British zoology Vol. IV Crustacea, Mollusca, S. aperta and S. nicaeensis. The present study was prepared Testacea, White, London. Tamura K., Dudley J., Nei M. & Kumar S. (2007) MEGA4: at the Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (BiK-F), Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis (MEGA) software Frankfurt a.M., and financially supported by the research version 4.0. Molecular Biology and Evolution 24, 1596–1599. funding programme “LOEWE—Landes-Offensive zur